MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A Plymouth Meeting woman has entered a guilty plea to federal fraud charges for stealing more than $1.5 million of federal aid that was supposed to help people who suffered damages from Hurricane Ida.
Jasmine Williams, 34, is charged with 32 federal counts of fraud, accused of encouraging her social media followers to file false claims with the Federal Emergency Management Agency after an emergency declaration in the wake of Hurricane Ida in September 2021.
Court filings show that Williams asked for photos of homes damaged in other disasters unrelated to Ida and helped her followers file claims, providing forged letters from landlords and home repair estimates, telling people they could make up dependents to get more money.
They say she also participated in phone calls with FEMA representatives, and in at least one instance, posed as a family member.
In return, Williams asked for half of the money each person received.
Court filings accuse Williams of being involved in more than 150 fraudulent filings that resulted in payout of more than $1.5 million.
Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 12, 2026. Federal authorities say the combined maximum penalty for the charges is 960 years in prison and more than $31 million in fines.